Doncaster Rovers' Eco-Power Stadium is set to be used for a blockbuster clash as Dave Allen faces Filip Hrgovic.
The 34-year-old heavyweight, affectionately known as "The White Rhino" and nicknamed the "Doncaster De La Hoya", has secured a headline slot at his hometown football ground following an impressive career revival.
The Croatian opponent represents a significant step up in class for Allen, who will enter the ring as the underdog against one of the division's most formidable punchers.
Terri Harper, another fighter from Doncaster, triumphed at the same venue last year when she defeated Natalie Zimmerman.
Allen's remarkable comeback began in December 2024 with a contentious split decision loss to Johnny Fisher in Riyadh.
The performance thrust him back into the spotlight despite the defeat.
The Yorkshireman gained revenge five months later at London's Copper Box Arena.
He claimed the WBA Intercontinental title by flooring Fisher with a devastating left hook in the fifth round.
Doncaster Rovers' Eco-Power Stadium is set to be used for a blockbuster clash as Dave Allen faces Filip Hrgovic
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A homecoming bout followed in Sheffield last October against Arslanbek Makhmudov, the towering Russian who faces Tyson Fury next month, though Allen was comprehensively outpointed over 12 rounds.
He bounced back impressively last month in Nottingham, dispatching Karim Berredjem in just 57 seconds.
Hrgovic brings a fearsome record into the contest.
He has won 19 of his 20 professional bouts, with 14 of those victories coming by knockout.
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The powerful Croatian has suffered just one defeat, falling to Daniel Dubois, who remains the only boxer to have beaten him at professional level.
Allen's record stands at 25 wins from 35 fights, with eight losses and two draws, making the statistical comparison stark.
Hrgovic has developed a reputation for defeating British heavyweights, adding further intrigue to this matchup where Allen will need to produce something extraordinary to emerge victorious.
Frank Warren, the Queensbury promoter, emphasised the magnitude of the occasion for both fighter and city.
Five facts about boxing that fans might not know | GBNEWS/PAWarren said: "May 16 will be a magical experience for Dave Allen.
"He is taking on a world-class operator in Filip Hrgovic, but he gets to do it on his own doorstep at Doncaster Rovers."
Warren added: "This will be a huge occasion for the city of Doncaster and for the fans who have backed Dave throughout his career."
The promoter described the contest as a "Dave vs Goliath" battle, acknowledging Hrgovic's habit of defeating British heavyweights.
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